Manager, Medical Affairs and Medical Education

Why does gender equality and eliminating bias matter in healthcare?

Gender equality and eliminating bias in healthcare is vital to ensure that we have diverse representation and perspectives. Diversity on a team increases creativity, which results in unique solutions, promotes continuous quality improvements and mitigates risk. This ultimately contributes to best patient care.

Program Manager, Project Management Office and Analytics, Digital Solutions

Why does gender equality and eliminating bias matter in healthcare?

Access to healthcare is so important for any society to thrive, and it's one of the things that Canadians take great pride in. Historically, healthcare focused solely through the lens of the men working in the industry. That has started to change, and with it, historically marginalized groups can get the healthcare that focuses on their specific needs. Ultimately, this will help produce better outcomes and a stronger, healthier society.

Do you have any reflections on increasing gender equality and eliminating bias in the context of pandemic recovery (i.e. building a more sustainable healthcare system)?

In the context of pandemic recovery, how we imagine and deliver patient care has evolved, from the use of virtual tools to provide care and monitor health to a reliance on data to make quick decisions.

With that said, we are noticing an increase in gender equality and eliminating bias as we are able to customize tools to provide care that’s specific to the needs of those requesting it. For example, predictive analytics uses data to identify future outcomes based on historical data. Another example is prescriptive analytics which uses historical data to recommend a care plan or healthcare treatment.

Do you have any advice for women seeking a leadership role in healthcare?

Be authentic, empathetic, honest and adaptive. These are the core skills of all leaders. As a woman, be confident as you are deserving to be at the table. And most importantly, learn from those before you and support those behind you.

Resident, Obstetrician and Gynecologist

Why does gender equality and eliminating bias matter in healthcare?

Achieving widespread gender equality is a Sustainable Development Goal. It is so clear that discrimination and bias persist in healthcare and contribute to negative patient outcomes, limit our understanding of different health conditions and sustain barriers to leaderships roles. None of us should be comfortable tolerating that.

We should all be working to move past the status quo to a place where there is equality at all levels because it matters to patients, it matters to all of us as colleagues in healthcare, and it's the right thing to do.

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon, SJHH
Lead, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Division, McMaster University

Why does gender equality and eliminating bias matter in healthcare?

Gender equality is extremely important within healthcare - it doesn’t just advance the well-being of women, but benefits people of all genders through peace and security, economic prosperity, health and happiness.

Do you have any reflections on increasing gender equality and eliminating bias in the context of pandemic recovery?

As we recover from the pandemic and move on in healthcare focusing on gender equality is vital. We must seek active participation and empowerment of women in relation to their health and focus on a fair distribution of resources. This will allow us to build a sustainable healthcare system for all.

Director, Digital Solutions

Do you have any reflections on increasing gender equality and eliminating bias in the context of pandemic recovery (i.e. building a more sustainable healthcare system)?

Women and gender-diverse individuals have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, globally and locally in our own community. As we move towards pandemic recovery in our health system, it will be crucial to do so with plans in place to increase gender equality and reduce bias.

To achieve this, we can: collectively recognize and acknowledge gender bias and challenge stereotypes in healthcare; conduct more health-related research involving women and educate healthcare professionals through targeted programs to raise awareness; and, address biases and move forward in a more gender equitable way. Together we can #breakthebias!

Director, Postgraduate Education, SJHH
Director, Acute Care Surgery Program, SJHH
Clinical Lead, Division of Perioperative Medicine, SJHH
Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, McMaster University

Why does gender equality and eliminating bias matter in healthcare? 

Moving forward together towards gender equality in healthcare is incredibly important. Recognizing, and then eliminating, all kinds of bias will build a stronger, more cohesive and effective environment; an environment where we can use all of our skills and strengths to offer the highest level of patient care. 

Do you have any reflections on increasing gender equality and eliminating bias in the context of pandemic recovery (i.e. building a more sustainable healthcare system)?

We know that the pandemic has disproportionately affected women; in the workplace, in the home setting, and as a patient. The pandemic has brought with it the opportunity to see, in a true light, many ways we can improve our healthcare system. In my opinion, focusing on gender equity is one of them.

I believe that one of the first steps towards gender equity is building a culture of transparency – we need to know where we are starting to be able to move forward. Building a community and culture of allyship is also incredibly powerful and important.

Do you have any advice for women seeking a leadership role in healthcare?

To women seeking leadership roles, I would say, welcome!

If we want to improve our healthcare system, we need all voices at the table, including ones that look and sound different from what we are used to. In other words, we need more women to guide, facilitate and lead change. My advice would be to find an area you are passionate about, find mentors/sponsors and stay resilient. All skillsets and insights are valuable and each person’s lived experience brings something unique.

Manager, Occupational Health and Safety Services

Why does gender equality and eliminating bias matter in healthcare?

A more equal representation of females in leadership links to a greater gender equality at the societal level and better public health globally. Organizations with gender equality in workforce have higher profitability, increased commitment and enhanced worker engagement. Ultimately this improves attitudes and retention

Do you have any reflections on increasing gender equality and eliminating bias in the context of pandemic recovery (i.e. building a more sustainable healthcare system)?

Women have been at the heart of care and response for the pandemic, at the organizational level (i.e. our president, senior leadership) as well as the majority of our frontline line workers and at provincial and federal levels.

Women have made critical contributions to address the outbreak every day and in every field. 

Do you have any advice for women seeking a leadership role in healthcare? 

Be positive about yourself and what you are capable of.

Be genuinely interested in people and show them you value them as individuals.

Find a mentor who can has experience and you can have challenging discussions with.

Network and don’t shy to move out of your comfort zone.

Head of Service, MSCCU
Head of Service, ICU
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, McMaster University

Why does gender equality and eliminating bias matter in healthcare?

We know that our patients want and need to see themselves reflected in the people that serve them in healthcare. We have a duty to create and sustain a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion so that we can meet this expectation.  Despite huge gains, there are still glaring inequities for women in all areas of healthcare that require dedicated commitment to change.  

I also believe we need to recognize that unless we expand the “scope” of equity to include BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, individuals with disabilities, and others, we will not achieve the goal of having healthcare represent the people we serve.  Gender equity is only one part of the solution.  We all benefit in a system that operates with equity as a primary principle.  

Do you have any reflections on increasing gender equality and eliminating bias in the context of pandemic recovery (i.e. building a more sustainable healthcare system)?

I am hopeful that the ways in which the pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of our healthcare system will help inform a better way forward. I sincerely hope that equity-based principles will inform all decisions as we seek to restructure and strengthen our system. 

Do you have any advice for women seeking a leadership role in healthcare?

You are not alone! Seek and use mentors who are in leadership roles. Take advantage of all learning opportunities such as leadership seminars and courses and seek out those taught by or informed by other women leaders. Any time you feel overwhelmed, keep in mind that you have value to bring and you belong. By sticking to it, you help to create a more equitable and inclusive system.

Interim Director, General Internal Medicine and Emergency Services

Why does gender equality and eliminating bias matter in healthcare?

Gender equality and eliminating bias is important for all of us in the community and specifically in healthcare. Patients come to the hospital when they are at their most vulnerable. Everyone on the care team should be treating each patient with dignity, respect and providing care equitably with an understanding of the differences between the sexes.

Non-biased respect should be a standard for all patients, families and staff. These actions are within our control and we should all be working together to model this behaviour and influence making a change at St. Joe’s.

Do you have any advice for women seeking a leadership role in healthcare?

Don’t limit yourself, find your passion, take new opportunities and stay dedicated to your goals! A leader is not defined by a title, but by your actions, contributions and drive. Healthcare leadership is changing as the healthcare field is changing, allowing new opportunities to grow, lead and learn within our profession. Remember your core values and why you got into healthcare initially.